Essential Tools for Baking Perfect Sourdough Bread: Discover my tried-and-true equipment and tools that simplify the sourdough baking process, making it both easy and efficient.
This past year, I’ve ventured into the world of sourdough baking, and it feels like learning a new language. There’s so much to learn, yet the irony is that making sourdough is actually quite simple and straightforward.
After plenty of trial and error, I’ve discovered the best products to make the process easier and more efficient.
Essential Products for Baking Sourdough Bread:
Sourdough Starter- You can make this on your own, google to find a helpful website, or you can buy a starter. You can buy starters online; this is a great one, or if you are lucky, you can get a starter from your neighbor.
Containers—I love Weck Jars for their wide mouth and this starter jar kit. I keep my discard in this container in the fridge.
Baker’s Scale- A good quality scale is essential when making sourdough bread as it’s important to measure in grams.
Danish Dough Whisk- You’ll need this to mix the dough together. The unique design makes it easier to mix the thick and sticky sourdough mixture. This is a great Danish Dough Whisk.
Bowls- You will want a good mixing bowl with enough room to mix the sourdough. I love this large glass bowl and these 4.7 Quart Glass Mixing Bowls.
Coarse Sea Salt- I love using coarse grey sea salt, also known as French Grey Sea Salt, in my sourdough baking. Its high quality and rich flavor truly enhance the taste of my bread, making a noticeable difference.
Bench Scraper- Using a bench scraper makes it easier to handle the sticky dough. It’s also great for dividing the dough, cleaning the work surface, and shaping and moving the dough easily. This Norpro Stainless Steel Scraper is the one I have and love.
Rice Flour- This is used to prevent any sticking. You can dust your bowl with it before the cold proof and dust some on top so the elastic cover doesn’t stick. I also use it before scoring the sourdough to help see the scoring lines better. I buy rice flour from Bob’s Red Mill. You can find it on Amazon or in some grocery stores.
Banneton Proofing Bowl- When I first started making sourdough bread I didn’t have a banneton but I quickly learned how efficient it is. A banneton help keep the shape of the sourdough bread, it has breathable material which results in even fermentation, and the dough doesn’t stick to it and comes out easily. A banneton is an absolute must-product to own when you are making sourdough bread.
Elastic Covers- Shower caps are the best for this. Before I was using plastic wrap which never stayed on nicely or would stick easily, driving me crazy! The shower caps are easy to put on and take off.
Parchment Paper- This is crucial for baking sourdough bread. I’ve tried using bread mats, but they didn’t work well for me. This parchment paper is my favorite. It’s important to use good-quality parchment to prevent sticking.
Bread Lame- A bread lame is used to score sourdough bread before baking. Scoring controls how the dough expands, helps it rise better, and creates a nice design on the crust. Without scoring, the bread might burst unevenly, resulting in an irregular shape. The last bread lame I used wasn’t very great but thankfully I bought this Bread Lame Scoring Tool I am recommending because it works great!
Dutch Oven—You need a Dutch oven with a lid because that’s what creates steam. In the first several minutes of baking, steam escapes from the dough and is trapped inside the Dutch oven, which helps improve the dough’s oven spring. I LOVE my Lodge enameled Dutch Oven, which I have in lavender and they have other colors as well. I also love the classic black Logdge Cast Iron Dutch oven.
Silicone Gloves and Hot Pads- Honestly, this is one of the best purchases I’ve made this year. Dutch ovens get incredibly hot, and it’s crucial to protect yourself with good, long silicone gloves. Plus, a reliable hot pad is perfect for setting down the hot Dutch oven safely. I chose the pink set, and I love it!
Cooling Rack-Good cooling racks are a must-have. When I bake multiple sourdough loaves, I need a spot for them to cool while I keep baking the rest.
Bread Knife- This is the product I am most excited to share with you all! I tried so many different bread knives and this is by FAR the best! It cuts into the bread like butter and doesn’t squish it. I HIGHLY recommend this Tojiro Japan Hand Made Bread Knife Slicer Cutter.
Paper Bags for Sourdough Bread- I love these large paper bags for storing, gifting, or selling sourdough. It has a window so you can see the bread and it comes with a cute sticker to seal it.
(I make a small portion from the Amazon links if you purchase directly from them but as always I only share products I love!)
